Holst & Mozart

Jessie Rivest reviews an OSO performance in Kelowna Friday, Oct. 18, 2024

I hurried into the theatre after setting up for Elections BC as a Voting Equipment Officer. It had been a busy night of preparation, organizing everything for smooth voter flow. Excited to leave the intensity behind, I was ready to enjoy the OSO’s first concert of their 65th season—unaware they were holding a sort of election of their own.

The Search is On

We were introduced to Candidate Conductor Nadège Foofat, who felt right at home on the KCT stage. She charmed the audience with casual wine and weather chat and shared her impressive global achievements. It felt like a job interview—because it was! Each concert showcases one of four candidates, tested not only on their versatility across genres but also on their collaboration with the orchestra, Board, and audience. With the election on my mind, I wondered what it would be like if politicians had to audition as openly and engagingly as this process.

Modern Connections

During the pre-concert chat, Timpani/Percussionist, Dominique Bernath demonstrated a singing bowl that was to be played in Andrew Balfour’s piece, Kiwetin-acahkos (North star): fanfare for the peoples of the North. It was fascinating to see something “new age” paired with Holst’s The Planets (1916), connected by the concert theme, ‘The Sky’, and ancient Pythagorean sound healing theories related to planetary frequencies. Balfour’s work ends with a deceptive cadence, resulting in a hesitant applause.

Following that sonic appetizer, Foofat shared her upbringing which allowed one hour of TV daily—she chose to watch Star Trek. She was eager to nerd out on stage for Jerry Goldsmith’s Main Theme from Star Trek. Foofat and the players took off on a voyage that evoked a sense of adventure, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the series. This time, the ending was definite with a crisp, triumphant finish, leaving an enthusiastic rumble throughout the space.

The Super-Presence of David Fung

Next, the piano was rolled out centre stage, awaiting the agile fingers of David Fung. Watching him play was captivating to say the least, especially as he actively listened to the orchestra, engaging not just when striking keys but also during rests. It was a reminder that performing isn't simply “pressing play” when you make sound; it is everything in between, all the time. Fung’s continuous, fluid movement created a deep connection, particularly during moments that felt like a dialogue between piano and strings. The intentionality from both Fung and the OSO infused Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major with power, even in its most delicate moments.

I was fortunate to meet the talented pianist backstage after his performance. I shared how it felt like he was channeling something with a super-presence while playing. He responded, "Mozart is the most transcendental and virtuosic!" When others suggest he play Rachmaninoff or Vivaldi, he replies, “No! Get your virtuoso from Mozart!”

I also had a quick chat with Foofat during intermission, who had an equally infectious love of Mozart, and I quote: “Mozart is the bomb!” She was beaming with joy, loving her Okanagan experience overall, and felt a meant-to-be connection with the program, despite having no part in the selection process.

As Above So Below

The conductor mentioned that her grandfather moved from England with only five records, one being The Planets, and it had been part of her psyche ever since. I too have always felt connected to the piece, and work with planetary archetypes for personal development coaching. It was a delight to observe Foofat embody each archetype, beginning with Mars - Bringer of War. Mars is marked allegro and maintains an unyielding 5/4 rhythm, driven by an ostinato that persists through much of the movement. In contrast, we were lilted into Venus - Bringer of Peace, where Foofat transformed from a race car driver to a serene guide. The movement featured beautiful solos from violin and oboe, followed by harmonious tutti passages.

My eyes teared up during Jupiter - Bringer of Jollity, due to the epic melody that was later used for I Vow to Thee, My Country. Despite the challenging nature of the work, the players were very much enjoying themselves, smiling at each other and aligning with Jupiter’s vitality.

‘The Sky’ themed concert concluded with Neptune - The Mystic, where we were joined by Ancora Women’s Ensemble. The sopranos put forth great effort to keep the pianissimo notes supported, then gracefully floated away like a cloud; a neat illusion with pure a cappella singing behind the curtain—the perfect Neptunian essence.

Final Thoughts

I applaud the OSO for their innovative approach to the conductor search. As the province awaits the rest of the vote count for Premier, I now eagerly anticipate the next three concerts, as if watching a live reality show—Who will be next? What will the program include? Which candidate will they choose? Stay tuned!

Jessie Rivest is a vocalist, composer/sound artist, creative coach, and local arts supporter living in Kelowna.